Lewis Hamilton, after a stunning first season in Formula One, could be a strong contender, as could boxer Ricky Hatton, who fights Floyd Mayweather Jr for the world welterweight title less than 24 hours before the ceremony.

There are many other names likely to be in contention including Frankie Dettori, who finally won his first Epsom Derby this year, England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson after his Rugby World Cup heroics, Scotland goal hero James McFadden, and athletics World Championship gold medallist Christine Ohuruogu.